Deepen Teacher Inquiry Series - Part 15

Over that last few weeks, we have been exploring the analysis phase of an inquiry. Depending on the model you use this can be called - checking, action phase or learning inquiry. Have you ever considered how your assumptions, attitudes and internal dialogue affect the way you look at your inquiry evidence? This week I would like to highlight some possible things that are affecting the way we process and reflect on your inquiry evidence.

Analysing data and drawing conclusions is a reflective process. Once the data has been analysed, conclusions begin to be drawn. At this stage, teachers begin to reflect about their findings to find meaning and what they have found.

Teachers make assumptions about their data - it is important to check these assumptions. When teachers unpack what they think about the inquiry findings, they begin to form assumptions. Assumptions about what they have seen happen as a result of the inquiry-based teaching action. These assumptions are about what has happened and why it has happened. Often the next inquiry focus comes out of these assumptions.

Further to that is the importance to reflect on what you think and feel. To connect with those assumptions. This will touch on the internal dialogue all teachers have about their students. When a teacher reflects/empathizes about how they think or feel about the students in their class, they are tapping into the internal dialogue that is occurring for them every day in the classroom - and that is an incredibly powerful thing to connect with.The idea of connecting in this way, with the information that teacher inquiry creates is powerful. The connection will allow teachers to reflect in ways that enable teachers to be more effectual in their impacts on students in their class.Teachers, in general, are incredibly empathetic by nature. They need to be. After all, teachers are connecting with young people on more levels than just the curriculum they teach. When framed up with the right lens, teacher inquiry can allow you to connect all the dots you need to in one action. Connect with your students in ways that count. Tick lots of admin boxes. It is a way to work smarter not harder.

How is the way you approach teacher inquiry allowing you to work smarter not harder?

If you can’t see how this can be - give me a call. I am more than happy to unpack it with you.

If you are looking to give your Teacher Inquiry Practices an injection of fresh energy- to elevate teacher inquiry impacts to a whole new level - Give me a call to discuss how we can do just that.

Looking Ahead

I know it is only June. However, I am aware that there are only a finite number of days on which schools run their start of year Teacher Only Days. The earlier you book, the greater the chance you will get the date you require.